Ancient craftsmanship brings modern life to rural residents

Sometimes urbanity stirs a sense of nostalgia for old tradition and technique, which endue handicrafts with a chance to revive and thrive.

This is just what rural residents in mountainous Guizhou, Southwest China, have witnessed.

OLD DYEING, MODERN CHOICE

Isatis root, an herb, has become a money-spinner in remote hilly areas in Guizhou. Its root and stem can be used as a medicine, while the fresh leaves can be made into dark blue plant dye called indigo, which local ethnic minorities have been using for generations to dye fabrics called batik.

Zhang Yiqiong has been making batik for 20 years. As the founder of a local batik company, Zhang has now hired more than 260 employees, and her business has helped over 2,800 local farmers shake off poverty.

"Making batik helps me make about 4,000 yuan (about 565 U.S. dollars) a month, much higher than working in the field," said Wei Liyun, a batik technician in Miaolong Village of Sandu, the only autonomous county of the Shui ethnic group in China.

"Batik had become part of my life, and we didn't stop doing it at home even during the epidemic," said Wei Liyun.

"The pattern of batik has unique ethnic characteristics, and we also incorporate modern aesthetic elements into our products. The materials are eco-friendly and very popular with customers," said Wu Huahui, a designer.

"Batik fabric is our main business now," said Zhang. "It adapts to the current consumption upgrading and rising ecological protection awareness. It's been better recognized and the demand is also increasing. Some large textile enterprises such as jeans manufacturers have come to us to seek cooperation. I believe it has big market potential."